My Neurologist is worried about falls

[boobus 0]

:ohmy: I'm at the earliest steps of enrolling in a program that encompasses the lap band surgery. (pre/post behavioral, nutrition, exercise programs...all of which are accessible for life) (they even have cooking classes) My surgeon performs lap band and gastric bypass's exclusively and his practice is based right out of the clinic. I am one step away from signing my name on the dotted line. the only reason i have stopped??? My neurologist has concerns about the possibilities of internal complications/injury if i were to have a seizure and fall.

I have been falling for many, many years and though I'm not conscious when I go down, I'm pretty sure that my face usually breaks the fall, and I am "well endowed" so I have my own airbag system. (:smile2:) I'm genuinely not as concerned about this type of complication but, I so genuinely respect my neurologist.

If there is anyone out there who has had complications due to any types of falls or better yet.... if there's anyone out there with Epilepsy that has had the lap band implanted. :confused: I'll take all of the positive and negative feed back that I can get. (accept for my punctuation:rolleyes:)

[Mom2_4 0]

Have you discussed these concerns with your surgeon? He/she may be able to give you a more educated opinion as to whether or not it is something to be concerned about. I personally would say that as long as you have pretty good control of your seizures, then go for it. It is probably just as risky to get into a car accident and do possible damage to the band.

Best of luck to you with your decision!

[boobus 0]

thank you for replying... I literally just faxed my neuro files over to my surgeon. I came across this site when as I continued my own research. As I perused the posts and all of the many different experiences that people have had with the lap band... good and bad... I decided to search for someone that may have had any experience with internal injuries due to "falls" or had epilepsy. At a seminar, I briefly spoke with the surgeon and he's done 4 other pts with epilepsy, and on the surface had no concerns...but, my neoro is still has this concern. I find it so curious, given all of the data that should be available to doctors.

I guess I'm just anxious for answers because I have had my own personal heart set on this for a couple months. In the beginning, I was more intent on the bypass, but the risk was too high, that my anti-convulsant's wouldn't metabolize with a permanent restructuring of my intestinal tract. we've worked long and HARD to get the right balance of the right cocktail, and with the lap band there should be room for adjustment.

isn't the human anatomy fascinating? ha.

Edited July 25, 2008 by boobus
spelling. shhhh.

[Ariel 1]

I don't think it would matter. I was thinking about doing boxing so I asked my doctor about getting hit in the port/ stomach area, she said I could get kicked directly on the port or band and it would have no ill effect. It would hurt alot but no damage would be done. I would guess that when you are having a seziure your stomach would not take any direct blows so it should be fine. Go and talk to your surgon about your particular seziures and the areas where you get most injured.

[aubrie 6]

Do your seizures cause any kind of esophogeal or stomach spasms? That would be my first question. Falling in and of itself wouldn't really be a problem. I bit the dirt last weekend tripping over a wheelbarrow and was shocked that there was not even any soreness of the port or band area. In your case I would be more worried about spasms. I don't know enough about epilepsy to say, but ask your doctor.

[boobus 0]

That's the fascinating part of his apprehension. I have a Vagus nerve stimulator implant. it is like a pacemaker with a lead (or wire) that is attached to the vagus nerve located directly next to my esophagus and it causes constrictions in my throat when it pulse's. it's purpous is to regulate any seizure activity by sending "pulse's or signals" to my brain. I have baffled myself with his concern about internal injury from falls. I've thought about constrictions, but I've also been told that bander's have been encouraged to exercise, which includes sit ups, crunch's etc. I've never done the tango with a wheel barrell, but I have eaten my fare share of dirt. In all of my "event's", i can't recall any stomach pain. ribs maybe, but not the stomach.

I guess I'm just sitting right in this void known as "hurry up and wait". so, i'm seeking answers from the real world. My neurologist and his PA are both so dedicated to controlling my seizures and it's because of their dedication to me and my treatment that I have come so far along in controlling my seizures. I've gone from 2-4 a week to about 3-4 a month. I just can't spend the rest of my life fighting my weight and dealing with future health problems that may come with the weight. It'd be the like not riding a bike because i might have a seizure and fall on my face. or go swimming because i might have a seizure and drown.

If I'm missing something, can someone help put the difference into perspective?

[boobus 0]

by the way aubrie---congrats on your success so far....

I'm sooo happy for you.